The start of Will Graham's Tasmania Celebration brought hundreds into the presence of God. The event kicked off in Hobart, Tasmania, May 21 and will continue with a three-day evangelistic outreach in Launceston this weekend. >>Read stories of how God moved Saturday night.
Hobart, Tasmania, is a port city on the southern tip of the island. Tasmania, one of Australia’s eight states and territories, is known for its stunning beauty and national parks.
From the stage in the My State Bank Arena, Will Graham explained what the cross really was—a torture mechanism designed to cause a cruel, painful death. But still Jesus went to that cross because of His love for the world. “Jesus loves you," he told the audience. "That’s what the cross screams. That’s what the death of Jesus screams—that Jesus loves you. He cherishes you more than anything else."
On this trip, Will Graham is joined by his wife, Kendra and one of his daughters. Ahead of Saturday's event in Hobart, the evangelist spent a few days in Sydney for meetings, preparing for the upcoming evangelistic outreaches.
Will Graham, volunteers, pastors and church leaders circled up before the event for a moment of prayer. More than 140 churches are involved in the events in Hobart and Launceston—a significant number in comparison to the number of churches on the island.
Cassandra Kanda, known as CASS, was born in Zimbabwe and now lives in New Zealand. She uses her music to share what God has done in her life. “I’m a living testimony,” she said Saturday night. “What I have been through, what He’s brought me from. I wouldn't be here without Him. You’re not too far away. You’re not too broken. You’re not too messed up, no matter what you’ve done, the grace of God is for you.”
Christian pop rock band The Afters have performed all around the world at Will Graham events. Saturday night, they pointed the audience to a God who does the impossible. “God is greater than any of the brokenness in this world. He’s greater than all the brokenness in your life. Whatever you go through … He will never fail you,” said lead singer Josh Havens.
During KidzFest earlier that day, children had the opportunity to hear a Gospel presentation geared just for them—an animated movie that talks about the importance of choices and how easy it is to slip into sin. The story touched many hearts and, standing in front of the stage, they made the life-changing decision to commit their lives to Jesus.
“Jesus is alive and He wants to come into your life," Will Graham urged the audience, asking them to make a decision to follow Jesus—and individuals of all ages put their life in the hands of the One who died for them.
Those who came forward filled out information cards that will help them get connected with a church and with resources to grow their faith.
According to statistics, only 53 percent of Tasmanians claim a religious affiliation—and the hope of Jesus is needed. As preparations are put in place for Will Graham's evangelistic outreaches in Launceston, will you join church leaders in praying for revival?
